The Hermitage City Council held its regular monthly meeting with all council members present, except Alderman Anna Grice, who participated via phone. The meeting opened with the approval of minutes from the previous session, with a unanimous vote in favor.
Discussion then turned to the recent Hermit Daze Festival. Council member Chris Ledbetter noted that the event was successful despite a decline in attendance.
Police Chief Ben Poole presented the April police report. The department issued a total of twelve citations during the month, including violations for driving without a license, possession of controlled substances, and a charge of terroristic threatening. The council unanimously voted to accept the report.
In the absence of Hermitage Fire Chief Barry Booker, Mayor Matt Cathey presented the fire department report. The department responded to several calls outside city limits and assisted during the Hermit Daze Festival. Additionally, the fire station underwent a cleaning, and a previously inoperable fire truck was reported to be back in service. The fire report was also approved by a unanimous vote.
Public Works Director Travis Stanley reported that all water and sewer samples passed quality tests for the month. Maintenance work included replacing a water meter at 1235 Highway 160, a meter box at 121 Oak Street, and addressing a main auxiliary water leak. A small leak was reported at 222 Oak Street, and a bearing in a sewer pump was replaced. The report was accepted unanimously.
In the Mayor’s report, Cathey confirmed that the new rate increase for city water and sewer services is now in effect, with prior notice provided on recent utility bills. Despite weather concerns, the Hermit Daze Festival drew attendees and food vendors.
“There were people at the food vendors,” Cathey said. “I think they did well and hopefully will come back next year.”
The report was unanimously approved.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Hermitage resident Nick McCue addressed the council regarding multiple topics, including matters involving former city employees and events from over two years ago. He also raised concerns related to water meters at Hermitage Apartments, which are USDA-subsidized. The conversation returned to past personnel issues before McCue made a statement regarding another resident. McCue exceeded the five-minute time limit typically allotted for public comments before Councilman Ledbetter made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously, concluding the meeting.
